While superhero fans have long suspected Marvel’s cinematic Captain Marvel, played by Brie Larson (above), to be gay, the studio has so far left the character’s sexuality ambiguous. A subtle hint here, a “close female friendship” there — aka enough to wink at in-the-know, queer viewers without making headlines.
The same cannot be said for the entertainment juggernaut’s comic book division, where more audacious storytelling doesn’t come at the risk of huge financial losses and/or international boycotts.
Related: Brie Larson Calls For More LGBTQ Representation In Marvel Movies
So please welcome to the stage Marvel’s new Captain Marvel, the leader of a reimagined, futuristic Guardians of the Galaxy. This Captain Marvel comes from the 61st century, when queer coding is apparently passé, but spandex is still all the rage.
In The Ultimates #8 by Deniz Camp, Juan Frigeri, Federico Blee, and Travis Lanham, a very blue Captain Marvel works to save Ultimates member America Chavez, whose memory has been erased by a baddie called “the Maker.”
As seen in the panels below, Captain Marvel offers to give Chavez some of her memories of the pair’s history while they sort out the whole mind erasure issue.
“If they took your past, then I’ll give you mine!” Captain Marvel says, adding, “Your life is my life, remember?”
Unfortunately for Marvel, Chavez isn’t willing to dive back into a relationship she can’t even remember. We’ve all been there, right?
Related: Kristen Stewart Says She Would Love To Play A ‘Gay’ Superhero
The two heroes part on good terms, though. “You’ve broken my heart,” Marvel says, “but my purpose remains intact.”
Marvel Comics’ Ultimates #8 is available in stores now.
